Plan a fishing or waterside outing around Bismarck and Mandan with access notes, addresses and links to official visitor information. Each place has its own guide.
Plan a lake outing with fishing piers, trails, playgrounds and seasonal paddling rentals.
McDowell Dam combines water recreation with easy land-based activities east of Bismarck. Visitors can use a paved loop or a longer unpaved trail, picnic near the playgrounds, or use the fishing piers and launch areas. The beach and rental operation make it especially useful for a planned summer outing.
Fishing piers and accessible kayak launch
0.6-mile paved loop
2.4-mile unpaved loop
Playgrounds and picnic shelters
Good to know before you go
Getting there: Use the park’s published address on 93rd Street Northeast east of Bismarck. Follow recreation-area signs to the parking and lake access.
Combustion motors are not allowed; electric motors are permitted. Live baitfish cannot be used or possessed. Ice fishing is catch-and-release only. Rentals are seasonal and weather dependent; confirm current fishing regulations and facility availability.
Checked 2026-10-09. Source. Fees, seasons and conditions change, so confirm before you head out.
Explore a lake north of Mandan with fishing, paddling, a sandy beach and biking trails.
Harmon Lake brings together a campground, a public boat ramp, a kayak dock and a fishing pier. Its trail system adds a longer walking or mountain-bike option around the lake landscape. Families can combine water time with playgrounds and a picnic, while campers have both electrical and primitive-site options.
Boat ramp and kayak dock
Floating fishing pier
Mountain biking and hiking trails
Camping, beach and playgrounds
Good to know before you go
Getting there: The county places Harmon Lake about eight miles north of Mandan near Highway 1806 and County Road 140. Follow signs to Harmon Lake Road.
Check current camping fees, site arrangements and seasonal services with Morton County. Water recreation and trail conditions depend on weather; the listing does not guarantee suitable swimming or ice conditions.
Checked 2026-10-09. Source. Fees, seasons and conditions change, so confirm before you head out.
Confirm current fishing regulations, water conditions and access restrictions. A map pin is an access point, not a promise of safe water or a fishing result.
